RC Lens have successfully concluded negotiations with Udinese to bring Florian Thauvin back to French football, with the clubs agreeing on a €6 million transfer fee. The deal is a homecoming for the 32-year-old attacking midfielder, who left France in 2021 to join Mexican side Tigres before moving to Italy.
Thauvin has committed his future to RC Lens by agreeing to a three-year deal that will see him remain in northern France through the 2027 season. This extended contract shows both the player’s confidence in the project and Lens’s belief in his ability to contribute at the highest level despite his age.
Player Set to Travel After Agreement
Following the verbal agreement between the clubs, Thauvin is preparing to travel to complete his move to RC Lens. Thauvin is expected to arrive in the North of France this evening ahead of completing a move back to Ligue 1, according to Get French Football News, bringing the transfer to its final stages.
The negotiations progressed smoothly with personal terms having been agreed in advance. According to Footmercato, Udinese are in advanced negotiations to sell Florian Thauvin to RC Lens for €6m, with the player already agreeing personal terms, removing potential obstacles to completing the deal.
Surprising Career Move
This transfer is an unexpected career direction for Thauvin, who had recently committed his future to Udinese. The 32-year-old only recently signed a new contract with the Friulani that runs to June 2026, making his departure just weeks after contract extension particularly surprising.
Thauvin’s time at Udinese proved highly successful, establishing him as one of Serie A’s most consistent performers. This season, the striker has scored 9 goals for the Italian club, while he was author of 8 goals and 3 assists in 25 Serie A matches last season, demonstrating his continued effectiveness at the highest level.
French Football Homecoming Wave
Thauvin’s return continues a trend of established French players choosing to return home. Thauvin follows Paul Pogba and Olivier Giroud in joining a French club this summer, as experienced players opt for familiar environments to continue their careers.
The successful completion rewards RC Lens’s persistent approach in pursuing their target. A happy outcome which rewards the work of the Lensoise management, which had already approached the player earlier in the window, according to French Football Weekly, showing their determination to secure his services.
The attacking midfielder joined Udinese in January 2023 as a free agent from Mexican club Tigres, quickly establishing himself as a key player. Thauvin has been playing for Udinese since January 2023, having joined the club as a free agent from Tigres, where he spent time after leaving Marseille.
International Experience Addition
The 32-year-old midfielder adds valuable international experience to Lens’s squad, having represented France at various levels throughout his career. His understanding of high-pressure situations and big-match temperament will benefit a young squad looking to establish themselves in Ligue 1.
This signing supports RC Lens’s ambitions to compete in European competitions and challenge for domestic honors. Thauvin’s creativity and goalscoring ability from midfield positions provide tactical options that could prove crucial in pursuing continental qualification.
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Final Formalities Pending
With the verbal agreement in place and travel arrangements being made, only final formalities remain before the transfer becomes official. Medical examinations and contract signing represent the last steps in completing this significant acquisition for RC Lens.
The €6 million investment shows Lens’s commitment to competing at the highest level of French football. Securing a player of Thauvin’s experience and proven ability represents smart business in today’s inflated transfer market.
